Money Crashers: How Much Does a Dog Really Cost?

Although Brian and I both grew up with dogs in our homes, we've never had a dog of our own. From time to time we've thought about adopting one, but we keep concluding that we're not ready for the commitment involved. Because there’s no way around it, a dog is more work than a cat. It needs more space, and it has to be let outside or taken for walks instead of just using a box to do its business. And whenever we went on a trip, we’d have to put the dog in a kennel, instead of just having someone come in every day or two to tend to it, like we do with the cats. It’s a responsibility we just don’t feel ready to take on right now.

When we think about getting a dog, it's the time commitment that deters us more than the financial cost. But that's not trivial, either. According to the 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), the average dog owner spends $2,883 a year on their pet. That cost includes $235 a year for food, $109 for grooming, $322 for kennel boarding, $257 for routine vet visits, and over $1,000 for other veterinary care — sick visits, emergency care, medications, and surgeries.

However, these costs are only averages. In some areas, it's possible to spend significantly less without any risk to your dog's health or happiness. At the same time, there are other areas in which it definitely doesn't make sense to cut corners. The trick is knowing where to save and where to splurge.

That's what my latest Money Crashers article is all about. I go into the costs of owning a dog, then examine ways to cut these costs where appropriate (like grooming and training). I also talk about the areas where it often makes sense to spend more (like food and veterinary care), and about ways to keep these expenses under control without harming your pet. I hope it will come in handy for all the dog owners and potential dog owners out there — and someday for me and Brian, perhaps when we've retired and have more time to spare.

How Much Does a Dog Really Cost? – Where to Save & Where to Splurge